New Telehealth Service for Students
2/08/2021
Dear Billiken Companions,
A few weeks ago I announced that a new telehealth service was coming soon to expand support for SLU students. I am happy to announce that this service is now available for student use. As promised, I am writing with additional information about the service.
The Service
In addition to on-campus health clinics, students may now speak with a nurse 24/7 to discuss medical and behavioral (mental) health concerns, obtain self-care advice, or request a telehealth appointment with a health care provider. You also may access this service from anywhere in the country, such as when traveling or residing outside of Missouri during summer or winter breaks. Note: The service is not available to students in SPS, in Madrid, or studying abroad.
The Cost
There is no charge for the 24/7 nurse triage line. If you choose to schedule an appointment with a physician or a counselor, there will be a $15 co-pay that must be paid using a personal credit card. No insurance is required, and there are no additional costs to you for these appointments (no billing to personal insurance, no additional co-pays, and no deductible charges).
To Access the Service for Medical Needs
Call the Student Health Center at 314-977-2323 and press option 9 to be connected
to the nurse triage line.
The triage nurse will assess your symptoms, and if you decide you want an appointment
with a physician, you will be transferred to an appointment clerk who will set up
your medical account and arrange for a physician to call you back within a few hours.
The appointment will be conducted over the phone or in some cases by video. This provider
will be able to prescribe medication or refer you for medical tests, if appropriate.
To Access the Service for Behavioral/Mental Health Needs
Call the University Counseling Center at 314-977-2323 and press option 9 to be connected to the nurse triage line. The triage nurse will assess your symptoms and situation. If you decide you want an appointment with a counselor, you will be transferred to an appointment clerk who will set up your medical account and arrange an appointment time with a therapist (a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Master of Social Work, or a Psychologist).
I encourage you to add the access phone numbers to your phone contact list.
The addition of this service is the result of a significant amount of work. I am grateful to Dr. Steve Byrnes, Director of the University Counseling Center and Renee Jonas, Director of the Student Health Center, for recommending this option as a way to expand care for SLU students, and for all their work to bring the idea to fruition.
Your well-being is essential to us, and caring for both your physical and mental health is crucial.
So is prioritizing your need to be in community. Later this week, you’ll be hearing from me on steps we are taking to increase community-building opportunities for students on campus this spring. We’re finalizing the details--and much depends on maintaining low rates of COVID-19 infection on campus--but I believe the changes we are adopting will make a big difference in your ability to connect with others on campus this spring.
In the meantime, please take good care of yourselves.
Sincerely,
Debra Rudder Lohe, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Interim Vice President for Student Development (for one more week!)